Hungary claimed top spot in Group B after overturning a first-half deficit to defeat Switzerland 32:25, completing a powerful second-half comeback.

Group B
Hungary vs Switzerland 32:25 (13:14)

Switzerland opened the match with confidence, applying early pressure on Hungary. Backed by Lea Schüpbach’s excellent saves and the attacking sharpness of Daphne Gautschi and Tabea Schmid, they surged into a 6:3 lead. Their compact and mobile 6–0 defence forced Hungary into long, tiring possessions, and without several key stops from Zsófi Szemerey, the damage could have been greater for the EHF EURO 2024 bronze medallists.

Hungary gradually reduced the gap to 7:5 after ten minutes, but Switzerland reacted with another scoring run that prompted a Hungarian time-out. Although Schüpbach continued to frustrate the Hungarian shooters, they finally found rhythm and answered with a 3:0 run to come within one (8:9).

As Hungary closed in, Swiss coach Knut Ove Joa opted for an extra attacking player to increase intensity, ending his team’s eight-minute scoring drought. The tactic briefly paid off as Switzerland led 13:9, but turnovers soon crept in, allowing Hungary to strike back and level at 13:13 with two minutes left. Switzerland, however, held a narrow 14:13 advantage at halftime.

The second half followed a fierce pattern, but Switzerland’s attacking errors under Hungary’s stronger defence brought the teams level again by minute 35 (16:16). Five minutes later, the momentum swung decisively. Three consecutive goals by hummel Player of the Match Petra Vámos handed Hungary their first lead since 1:0—and a two-goal cushion at 19:17.

Switzerland’s inexperience began to show as turnovers mounted—17 in 45 minutes compared to Hungary’s five. Hungary capitalized efficiently, launching a 6:0 run to open a commanding 25:18 lead. Tabea Schmid fought back valiantly, finishing with an outstanding 12 goals, but she was the only Swiss player to score consistently as the team endured another eight-minute drought.

With Katrin Klujber adding six goals and several crucial steals, Hungary finished confidently, sealing a comprehensive 32:25 victory.

Hungary advance to the main round group I with four points, while Switzerland carry two. Senegal join them with zero as all three teams prepare to face Japan, Romania, and Denmark in the race for the quarter-finals.

hummel Player of the Match: Petra Vámos (Hungary)